Walter Radermacher was born on 10 June 1952 in Walheim. He studied business administration in Aachen and Münster from 1970 to 1975. After graduating with a degree in business administration, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Münster from 1975 to 1978. At the beginning of 1978, Walter Radermacher joined the Federal Statistical Office. After performing various tasks, he was finally Head of Administration at the Federal Statistical Office from 2001 to mid-2003.

In June 2003, he was assigned the duties of Vice-President on a trial basis, and from 24 December 2003, the function of Vice-President. After Walter Radermacher had been entrusted with deputising for the President from 6 October 2006, he was appointed President on 22 December 2006.

Since 19 January 2007, Walter Radermacher held the office of Federal Election Commissioner. He was appointed Director General of Eurostat with effect from 1 August 2008.